Job 6:26
New International Version
Do you mean to correct what I say, and treat my desperate words as wind?

New Living Translation
Do you think your words are convincing when you disregard my cry of desperation?

English Standard Version
Do you think that you can reprove words, when the speech of a despairing man is wind?

Berean Standard Bible
Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?

King James Bible
Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?

New King James Version
Do you intend to rebuke my words, And the speeches of a desperate one, which are as wind?

New American Standard Bible
“Do you intend to rebuke my words, When the words of one in despair belong to the wind?

NASB 1995
“Do you intend to reprove my words, When the words of one in despair belong to the wind?

NASB 1977
“Do you intend to reprove my words, When the words of one in despair belong to the wind?

Legacy Standard Bible
Do you think to reprove my words, Or think of the words of one in despair as wind?

Amplified Bible
“Do you intend to reprove my words [with a convincing argument], When the words of one in despair belong to the wind [and go ignored]?

Christian Standard Bible
Do you think that you can disprove my words or that a despairing man’s words are mere wind?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Do you think that you can disprove my words or that a despairing man’s words are mere wind?

American Standard Version
Do ye think to reprove words, Seeing that the speeches of one that is desperate are as wind?

Contemporary English Version
Here I am desperate, and you consider my words as worthless as wind.

English Revised Version
Do ye imagine to reprove words? seeing that the speeches of one that is desperate are as wind.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Do you think my words need correction? Do you think they're what a desperate person says to the wind?

Good News Translation
You think I am talking nothing but wind; then why do you answer my words of despair?

International Standard Version
Did you intend your words to reprove, even though the speech of a desperate person is just wind?

Majority Standard Bible
Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?

NET Bible
Do you intend to criticize mere words, and treat the words of a despairing man as wind?

New Heart English Bible
Do you intend to reprove words, seeing that the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?

Webster's Bible Translation
Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?

World English Bible
Do you intend to reprove words, since the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For reproof—do you reckon words? And for wind—sayings of the desperate?

Young's Literal Translation
For reproof -- do you reckon words? And for wind -- sayings of the desperate.

Smith's Literal Translation
Will ye purpose to reprove words, and for the spirit of the words of him despairing?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
You dress up speeches only to rebuke, and you utter words to the wind.

Catholic Public Domain Version
You prepare speeches as so much noise, and you offer words into the wind.

New American Bible
Do you consider your words as proof, but the sayings of a desperate man as wind?

New Revised Standard Version
Do you think that you can reprove words, as if the speech of the desperate were wind?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Behold you are seeking to find words with which to reprove, and against my soul you are conjuring up words.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Behold you will plan to correct words and you will consider my word against my spirit
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Do ye hold words to be an argument, But the speeches of one that is desperate to be wind?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Neither will your reproof cause me to cease my words, for neither will I endure the sound of your speech.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Job Replies: My Complaint is Just
25How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove? 26Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair? 27You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.…

Cross References
Proverbs 12:18
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

James 3:5-8
In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. / All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ...

Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Matthew 12:36-37
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Psalm 64:3
who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,

Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

1 Peter 3:10
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

Psalm 55:21
His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.


Treasury of Scripture

Do you imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?

reprove.

Job 2:10
But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

Job 3:3-26
Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived…

Job 4:3,4
Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands…

one that.

Job 6:4,9
For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me…

Job 10:1
My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

as wind.

Job 8:2
How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind?

Hosea 12:1
Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

Ephesians 4:14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Jump to Previous
Argument Belong Correct Despair Despairing Desperate Hold Hope Imagine Indeed Intend Mean Reckon Reproof Reprove Sayings Seem Speech Speeches Think Treat Wind Words Wrong
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Argument Belong Correct Despair Despairing Desperate Hold Hope Imagine Indeed Intend Mean Reckon Reproof Reprove Sayings Seem Speech Speeches Think Treat Wind Words Wrong
Job 6
1. Job shows that his complaints are not causeless.
8. He wishes for death, wherein he is assured of comfort.
14. He reproves his friends of unkindness.














Do you intend
The phrase "Do you intend" suggests a deliberate action or purpose. In the Hebrew text, the word used here implies a conscious decision or plan. Job is questioning the motives of his friends, who seem to be critiquing his expressions of anguish. This highlights the importance of understanding the intent behind words, especially in moments of deep suffering. In a broader biblical context, it reminds us of the need for empathy and discernment when addressing others' pain.

to correct
The word "to correct" comes from a Hebrew root that means to reprove or rebuke. Job's friends are attempting to set him straight, assuming that his words are misguided. This reflects a common human tendency to judge or correct others without fully understanding their circumstances. Scripturally, it calls to mind the wisdom of Proverbs, which often contrasts the folly of hasty judgment with the virtue of patience and understanding.

my words
"Words" in this context are not just casual expressions but the outpouring of Job's heart. In Hebrew, the term can also imply a matter or thing spoken, indicating the weight and significance of what is being said. Job's words are a reflection of his inner turmoil and should be approached with sensitivity. This serves as a reminder of the power of words in the Bible, as seen in James 3, where the tongue is described as a small part of the body but capable of great impact.

and treat
The phrase "and treat" suggests an action or behavior towards something. In the Hebrew, it implies a manner of dealing with or regarding something. Job is concerned with how his friends are handling his expressions of distress. This highlights the biblical principle of treating others with kindness and respect, as seen in the teachings of Jesus about loving one's neighbor.

the speech of a desperate man
"Speech" here refers to the utterances or expressions of someone in deep distress. The Hebrew word can also mean a cry or plea. Job identifies himself as a "desperate man," emphasizing his extreme suffering and need for compassion. This phrase underscores the biblical theme of God's concern for the brokenhearted and His call for His people to show mercy and understanding to those in despair.

as wind
The metaphor "as wind" suggests something fleeting or insubstantial. In Hebrew, the word for wind can also mean breath or spirit, often used to describe something transient or ephemeral. Job feels that his friends are dismissing his words as meaningless, akin to the passing wind. This imagery is powerful in the biblical context, reminding us of the need to value and listen to the cries of those in pain, rather than dismissing them as inconsequential. It echoes the call in Scripture to bear one another's burdens and to be present for those who suffer.

(26) Do ye imagine to reprove words . . .?--"It cannot be your intent to reprove mere words, as mine confessedly are (Job 6:3), and as you seem to count them (Job 6:13). If so, they are hardly worthy the trouble bestowed upon them, but might be left to answer themselves."

Verse 26. - Do ye imagine to reprove words? or, Do ye propose? "Is it your intention?" Am I to understand that you blame nothing in my conduct, but only the words that I have spoken? i.e. the words recorded in ch. 3. And the speeshes of one that is desperate, which are as wind; or, whereas the speehes of one that is desperate are but as wind; literally, for the wind - spoken to the wind, for the wind to take hold of them and bear them away. Therefore not worth a reproof.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Do you intend
תַּחְשֹׁ֑בוּ (taḥ·šō·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 2803: To think, account

to correct
הַלְהוֹכַ֣ח (hal·hō·w·ḵaḥ)
Preposition | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3198: To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict

my words,
מִלִּ֣ים (mil·lîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4405: A word, a discourse, a topic

and treat the speech
אִמְרֵ֥י (’im·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 561: Something said

of a desperate man
נֹאָֽשׁ׃ (nō·’āš)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2976: To desist, to despond

as wind?
וּ֝לְר֗וּחַ (ū·lə·rū·aḥ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit


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OT Poetry: Job 6:26 Do you intend to reprove words seeing (Jb)
Job 6:25
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